MERCURY’S LAB

​ The “Overloaded Immune System” Misconception Perhaps the most common misconception is that a child’s immune system can be “overloaded” if the child receives multiple vaccines at once. This concern first began to appear as the recommended childhood immunization schedule expanded to include more vaccines, and as some vaccines were combined into a single shot. However, studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the recommended vaccines are no more likely to cause adverse effects when given in combination than when they are administered separately. Some parents decide to “spread out” the time period during which their children receive vaccinations “just in case” this misconception is accurate. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this approach, and delaying vaccinations puts children at risk of contracting preventable diseases.   The “Disappeared Diseases” Misconception Some people assume that because diseases like polio have disappeared from the United States, it’s no ...

“Bad side of 2022”(Sickle Cell Advocacy) SCD So my 2022 started with exams—300-level first semester exams. It commenced well, but in the middle of it, I fell sick and decided not to start treatment until I finalized the exams. I could have malaria and not show symptoms until I start treatment, so that seemed like the best option for me.  Exams ended in February, and the illness got worse, but hopefully, I was able to complete the exams without breaking down; I broke down the night of my last exam. I was admitted to my school’s clinic (LCU). Unfortunately, it got so bad that I had to go home. While I was at home, the second-semester 300-level classes had already started, and our major course for that level, "MLS317 (Practicals)" had started as well. This compelled me to resume regardless of how sick I was; my friends know how uncompromising and ignorant I can be when it comes to my health. I attended the MLS317 class, but in the middle of it, I left because the crises was alr...

What is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. Where did HIV come from? HIV infection in humans came from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. Studies show that HIV may have jumped from chimpanzees to humans as far back as the late 1800s. The chimpanzee version of the virus is called simian immunodeficiency virus. It was probably passed to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came in contact with their infected blood. Over decades, HIV slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world. The virus has existed in the United States since at least the mid to late 1970s. What are the st...